The BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Programs are highly structured, highly monitored non-immigrant visa programs which allows students and young professionals to visit America to further the goals of mutual understanding between cultures via person-to-person diplomacy.

Unlike immigrant visas which allow relative autonomy after arriving in the U.S., a J-1 visa requires constant monitoring and proof that program goals (ie. cultural exchange) are being satisfied. The United States government designates sponsor organizations (such as Odyssey) to screen, select and monitor J-1 exchanging visitors during their stay in the United States.

Sponsors are legally required to uphold the rules and regulations of the J-1 program and ensure participant safety.

Interested applicants must be able to provide proof of the following in order to participate in the program:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Fluency in English, as determined by an English interview conducted by an Odyssey International Camp staff member. Additionally, each applicant must have an interview and receive an offer from an approved Odyssey-approved partner camp.

• Proof of your status as a youth worker, student, teacher, or individual with specialized skills.

• At least two references from a current or past employer or teacher attesting to your suitability to participate in the program.

• Arrival funds in the amount of a minimum of $700USD to be used if needed.

• Criminal background check from your home country dated within the last 6 months.

• Medical clearance confirming your ability to participate in the program.

A specialized skill would be any skill that is desirable by the camp for which you are applying. Some common examples are sports skills, sailing, archery, arts and crafts, swimming, horseback riding, CPR etc.

It could be anything depending on the needs of the camp! Odyssey only requires that you submit some form of documentation attesting to your skill (ie. Formal Certificate/Certification, letter of reference, awards, work certificate from a previous employer, formal degree etc).

No two days for a Camp Counselor are the same! In a nutshell, you will be responsible for ensuring the campers under your care are safe and having a great experience at camp.

Daily activities will vary widely depending on the focus of your camp, but some common activities are swimming, team sports, arts and crafts, archery, horseback riding, campfire sing-alongs, group projects, camping and hiking. For this reason, all prospective counselors need to be enthusiastic, patient, flexible, in good health and love working with kids!

As your program sponsor, we are responsible for your safety and welfare while in the U.S. We are also responsible for ensuring all program rules and regulations are followed by you and your host camp. Odyssey will be in contact with you throughout your time in the U.S., primarily through email, to ask for updates on your experience.

You are required to complete a monthly check-in with Odyssey every 30 days so we can monitor your program and assist if you have any issues or questions. We also maintain a 24/7 emergency line so you can contact one of our staff members if you have an urgent issue.

Yes! Odyssey International Camp offers several options to participate in the camp counselor program depending on your situation:

• All-Inclusive: With this option, Odyssey International Camp secures you a placement at one of our partner camps and provides the J-1 sponsorship for your program.

• Self-Placement: With this option, you secure an offer from a camp and Odyssey provides the J-1 program sponsorship for your program.

• Self-Placement Returnee: With this option, you secure an offer at a camp where you have previously participated in a J-1 camp counselor program and Odyssey Cam provides the J-1 sponsorship.

Your program fees help to pay for the following:

• Gathering, reviewing and processing all of your registration documents.

• Vetting you for program eligibility as well as your host camp to ensure they meet all program requirements.

• Issuing your DS-2019 document.

• Medical insurance for the duration of your program.

• Detailed pre-departure orientation.

• Comprehensive handbooks, guides and resources to facilitate the arrival and orientation process.

• 24 hour/7 days a week support from Odyssey staff

• Constant monitoring, evaluating and follow-ups during your program.

• Cultural events and activities sponsored by Odyssey.

§  In general, we recommend interested candidates apply as soon as possible before spring. This is to allow ample time to secure a camp counselor offer, gather and submit all of the necessary documents, receive the DS-2019 and apply for the visa in your home country. Other deadlines may be applied at any time, depending on your home country.

If you found your own camp, we can assist you in securing the necessary DS-2019 and J-1 sponsorship. This is our "Self Placement" service. Please contact Odyssey for more information.

When you agree to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program and your program falls under the conditions explained below, you will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. This means you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This requirement under immigration law is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement Conditions - An exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement if the following conditions exist:

• Government-funded exchange program - The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;

• Graduate medical education or training - The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training;

• Specialized knowledge or skill:

  • Skills List - The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country that has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Review the Exchange Visitor Skills List 2009.

Restrictions - When you, as an exchange visitor are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following:

• Change status while in the United States to the non-immigrant categories of temporary worker (H) or intracompany transferee (L);

• Adjust status - Detailed participant handbook and orientation;

• Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate;

  or

• Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancè (K) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Odyssey International Camp recommends you do not purchase any non-refundable items (plane tickets, accommodations) until after you have received your J-1 visa from the US Consulate in your home country.

While rare, delays and visa denials do occur unexpectedly. We understand that purchasing tickets and accommodations early can save you money. However, please be aware that Odyssey will not be responsible for any additional expenses due to delays or visa denials.